Episode 32 : Former Black Panther discusses current political climate

Elmer Dixon was one of the early leaders of the Black Panther Party in Seattle, Washington and in Oakland, CA. In this episode of Every Day Conversations on Race, Elmer talks about the history and legacy of the Black Panther Party.

The Black Panthers were created some of the first Food Banks, were responsible for hot breakfasts for school children that are now provided in many public schools.

Topics in this episode:

The lack of adequate health care for working class and lower income people

How he lives his values today of equity and equality while working with CEOs and other C-suite leaders and making sure that our communities and families survive

The increase in progressive people who are now CEOs who have the well-being of their customers and employee as priorities

Working with Steve Reinemund, former CEO of Pepsico and then his successor Indra Nooyi, as well as other rich people who are looking to give back

The importance of continuing to have conversations on race between white people and people of color different levels

Speaking to young white kids in Finland and around the world who are well-schooled on the history of the Panthers and want to organize against racism

The need to stood up against bullies and how the Black Panther Party stood up to bullies

White elementary school kids are interested in learning more about the Black Panthers and applying it to make the country and world a better place

What it’s like to work with police today and why it’s important to develop good relationships with good cops

The work that Elmer does in training police to understand issues in the Black community, and for police and the community to know each other

If police live in the communities they serve, there will be less police shootings of unarmed people

Throughout the episode Elmer recounts stories of the Panthers and we all can work together to combat racism